Welcome to the second issue of Pennsylvania CAREgiver Magazine. We hope that you found the first issue informative and perhaps were able to use some of the advice and tips in your role as caregiver. Thanks to all who offered comments, suggestions and constructive criticisms for the first issue. They are much welcomed and appreciated.

The success of Pennsylvania CAREgiver Magazine is measured by its ability to comfort, educate and inform you, and to provide a resource that helps guide you in your caregiving role. But we can't do it alone. The pages of CAREgiver Magazine should reflect the caregiving community talking to each
other. And as experience is the best teacher, we encourage you to share your experiences with other caregivers.

We'd love to hear from you -- about your journey as a caregiver -- and how you navigated the health care system, convinced your loved one to accept your help, found the right housing or in-home care, engaged the whole family in your parent's care, balanced the needs of your family and the person you care for, and any other experience you are willing to share to help others.

We encourage readers to share their story or tips, submit letters, recipes and suggestions for professional and family caregiver profiles. And we welcome your ideas for articles that help serve your needs. Send your submissions to PA CAREgiver, 535 Keystone Dr. Warrendale, PA 15086, or email us at pacaregiver@tribweb.com, or you can call me at 724.779.7126.

In addition, beginning with the fall issue, organizations may submit educational and entertainment events open to the community to be included in our events calendar. Please email them to pacaregiver@tribweb.com.

In our cover story, we talk with four families who are raising, or have raised, children with Down syndrome. Through the help of local programs, and their own initiative, they are helping their children develop to their full potential.

Also in this issue we address the topics of long-term care, prescription drug plans, and how to preplan for a funeral. You'll also find information on Medicare with an explanation of the program and the guidelines. In addition, we introduce you to the world of guided imagery, an alternative relaxation practice that has been helping cancer patients through their treatments. Plus there are a number of other helpful tips and features.

Remember to take care of yourself as well as your loved one, and we'll see you again in the fall.

Barb Raitano
PA CAREgiver Magazine